A surface plasmon sensor is formed by a dielectric block, a metal film which is formed on one face of the dielectric block and is brought into contact with a sample, a light source emitting a light beam, an optical system which causes the light beam to enter the dielectric block so that the light beam is reflected in total reflection at the interface of the dielectric block and the metal film and various angles of incidence of the light beam to the interface of the dielectric block and the metal film including an angle of incidence at which surface plasmon is generated can be obtained, and a photodetector which is able to detect the intensity of the light beam reflected in total reflection from the interface for the various angles of incidence. A laser provided with an oscillation wavelength stabilizing system for stabilizing the wavelength at which the laser oscillates is used as the light source.
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February 5, 1999
January 22, 2002
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